Premier Attends Meetings in Europe
Premier Paula Cox headed to Brussels, Belgium this past weekend [June 18/19] to engage in meetings that offer greater insight into the workings of the European Union and how Bermuda can best be positioned as this governing body addresses the changing economies of its member nations.
The Premier’s schedule yesterday [June 20] began with a meeting at the UK Permanent Representation with Deputy Representative Mr. Andy Lebrecht.
A meeting with the Head of Division for EU external relations at the European Commission saw the Premier receive a “positive response” to her request for opportunities for Bermudians to be able to have secondements to work at the European commission.
Following these, a meeting with the Governance and External Relations Department of the Directorate General for the Single Market was held and a productive meeting was conducted with the Directorate General for Taxation and Customs wherein tax trends and concerns were the general topics.
Premier Cox wrapped up yesterday’s sessions conferring with the Head of Unit for the Americas in the European External Action Service and representatives of the Task Force for Overseas Territories in DG DEVCO (Developing Countries). She also delivered the Keynote address at a dinner hosted by ABIR.
A spokesperson said, “Until now, outside the field of insurance and with the exception of those responsible for Overseas Territories, Bermuda is not well-known within the EU institutions and Member States.”
“The Premier will provide an understanding of Bermuda’s constitutional situation, both internally and with regard to the UK and clearly set out its strategy towards the EU and how this relates to Bermuda’s other bilateral and multilateral relationships.”
“And, UK authorities have made clear they welcome the initiative by Bermuda to be more pro-active in its relations with the EU and its Member States. To this end, Premier Cox is joined by His Excellency Sir Richard Gozney in attending a number of these meetings.”
“All meetings being held in Brussels are informal, in the sense that they are not negotiating sessions; nor are they intended in any way to lead to binding decisions or commitments on either side.”
“Premier Cox will highlight the way in which Bermuda currently participates in the work of international organisations such as the OECD, FATF, IMF, IOSCO, IAIS etc., Bermuda’s white-listing in the OECD and its track-record of concluding TIEAs.”
“Beneficial to our developing relation with the EU are Bermuda’s seeking equivalence under Solvency II (a process which is already underway) and its achieving recognition under the 2006 Statutory Audit Directive.”
The Premier continues meetings today and on Wednesday, will sign a Tax Information Exchange Agreement [TIEA] with the Republic of Indonesia. This will mark the 25th TIEA signed between Bermuda and countries across the globe.
Premier Cox is also scheduled to open the Mary Prince exhibit in London.
How about staying at home and sorting out the Bermuda Economy first?^^
Ahh yes, screw international business, it doesn’t matter. Seriously Graeme….
How can you sort out BDA economy without building international relationships??
Jason, i was being sarcastic in response to Graeme’s purely ridiculous comment.
Building bridges with the international business community is essential in sorting out Bermuda’s economic issues.
If you haven’t noticed and/or read IB constitutes approximately 75% of our annual GDP.
How about saying something halfway intelligent? We have to be cognizant of EU directives and policy directions, let alone build relationships in the EU. In case you need a reminder, 90% of our income depends on it.
I don’t have an issue with this – it’s proper focus and appropriate, but I feel for the poor buggers who have to listen to her speaking.
But, who is in charge here? Brother Derrick?
This trip is ok because its with the Governor. My Premier just can’t get enough of the British. Here for the Queen’s Birthday Parade but absent for National Heroes Induction. We’re clear on what matters to you Madame.
Dame Paula. You heard it here first….
Like the EU meeting schedules were directed by her…gimme a break. She can’t be everywhere at once. She had to be in Europe mending fences though I am sure she would have wanted to be here for the inductions…
Like Europe cares about whether or not about Bermuda’s National Heroes Day…
Heck, even Bermudians appear not to give a sh*t about Heroes Day as evidenced by the almost 200 ppl turnout (half of them politicians looking for a damn photo op) on Sunday…
I just saw this but the first comment hit home. I have yet to read the other comments. Graeme….spot on.
I see another Ewart Brown type mode here. Premier always off somewhere.
Thats why she has financial advisers…..ooops…she is the Minister. Damn..How stoopid of me.
Apparently there was a kumpootar arror ann eye deed nut gat two feenish mighy cummantz……..(muss be doze Yoo Bee Pee spray paynterz)……
The izlan is in a crisis. Socially, ecconomically, financially et al. Eugene would have stayed the course for the country but thats another era.
Where’s the new Hotel in St. George. Damn Ewart blowed it up.
Where’s the fast ferries…..dry Doc…….
Where’s the Bus service………looking for a new ‘Obusmant’
Wherz dee Police……..(writing things down on a pad….a two pip Inspector taking/making notes)….
Where’s the Governor………(after taking off his Pit Helmet and seeing that there’s nothing he can do except shave his head and keep an eye out on the wall that leads and runs basically north and south on the eastern side of his house…………..No bucks to be made but tackly things are differant…..